Carragher: Gyokeres should not be starting for Arsenal

Martin Macdonald

31 Dec 2025 07:01 CST
4 min read

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal have two better options than Viktor Gyokeres for their centre-forward position.

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The Swede was one of the most coveted strikers in Europe over the summer following his sensational exploits for Sporting CP as he scored 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese giants between 2023 and 2025.

In July of 2025, Arsenal completed the signing of Gyokeres for a fee which could reach up to €72 million.

A lot was expected of the player as the Gunners have long been looking for an elite centre-forward who can be relied upon for goals to take them over the line a Premier League title race.

After 11 months out injured, this was a very special goal for Gabriel Jesus ❤️ @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/expAbio02R
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 31, 2025

So far, he has disappointed, with just seven goals to his name in 20 appearances. His overall play has also been criticised.

And, the pressure is on after Gabriel Jesus returned from a serious injury to score off the bench in Arsenal's big 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.

In Carragher's opinion, the Brazilian, as well as Kai Havertz, present better options than Gyokeres for the striker role at the Emirates.

"The one negative out of tonight for Arsenal is that Gyokeres should not be starting, when they have players like this," pundit Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"In a couple of games time, when Jesus is a bit more up to speed, he should be starting. He's a better player than Gyokeres - that's a fact.

"There's been questions in the past asking if [Jesus] is good enough for Arsenal to go and win the league. But right now, he's better than the guy they brought in who they thought was going to win them the league. Havertz or him as the central striker is a better player than Gyokeres. He lacks finesse and quality when you think of what they've got on the bench. I think Arsenal need to improve on Gyokeres and they've got players that can in Jesus."

Support for Gyokeres

Last month, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta threw support behind his misfiring striker, insisting Gyokeres needs time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League like any other player.

"Everybody was so excited to bring him into the club. We did it," Arteta said.

"We brought a player with an incredible scoring record who had to adapt to the league. He had no pre-season. The first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn't in his best state and he's a player that needs that, like any other player in this league, almost to perform at that level.

"I know we need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same. But that's about time. We have full support for him."

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